Dog Grooming Prices: What Affects the Cost? (UK Guide 2025)
Folkestone Groomers Team
20 September 2025
12 min read
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Dog Grooming Prices: What Affects the Cost? (UK Guide 2025)
Grooming prices feel like a mystery when you're quoted £30 for one dog and £90 for another. The UK grooming industry has no standard pricing, which means costs vary wildly based on factors most owners don't understand.
Dog grooming in the UK typically costs £25-£100, with most medium dogs averaging £50. Your final price depends on your dog's breed and coat type, the services included, your location, and whether you choose salon or mobile grooming. Understanding these factors helps you budget effectively and avoid nasty surprises.
Looking for quality groomers in your area? Check our guides for Folkestone, Dover, and Hythe for vetted recommendations.
How Much Does Dog Grooming Cost in the UK?
Quick Answer: Most full grooms average around £50, with typical ranges £25–£100+ depending on dog size, coat type, and location. Mobile grooming averages ~£40 nationally, and London tends to be higher (~£52).
Large/double-coated: frequently ~£60–£100+ depending on coat prep and de-shedding [1]
Mobile grooming: ~£40 nationally; London ~£52 average [3]
What You'll Actually Pay
Most dog owners pay around £50 for a full groom. But that's just the middle ground - prices swing from £25 to over £100 depending on what your dog needs.
Dog Grooming Price List Template (UK)
Full groom: Small £25–£40, Medium £40–£65, Large £60–£100+ [1]
Double-coated breeds: German Shepherds, Huskies, Samoyeds (£60-£120)
Hand-stripping breeds: Airedales, Wire Fox Terriers (£80-£100+)
Poodle crosses are the worst culprits for high costs. Their coats mat if you look at them wrong, and they need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.
The Matting Penalty
Bring in a matted dog and watch your bill climb. Groomers charge extra for de-matting because it's time-consuming, hard on their equipment, and stressful for your dog.
Matting surcharges typically add £10-£30 to your bill. Severely matted dogs might need complete shave-offs, which some groomers charge as a full groom plus de-matting fees.
What's Actually Included (And What Costs Extra)
Not all "full grooms" are created equal. Some groomers include everything, others nickel-and-dime you with add-ons.
Standard Full Groom Usually Includes
Shampoo and conditioning - professional-grade products
Blow-drying and brushing - thorough coat preparation
Nail clipping - essential for paw health
Ear cleaning - preventing infections
Styling or clipping - breed-appropriate cuts
The Expensive Add-Ons
These services cost extra at most groomers:
Hand stripping: £50-£100 (labour-intensive technique for wire-coated breeds)
Teeth brushing: £10-£30
Flea treatments: £5-£15
De-shedding treatments: £15-£25
Anal gland expression: £10-£20
Always ask what's included before booking. Some groomers charge separately for nail trimming and ear cleaning - services that should be standard.
Your Dog's Personality Affects the Price
Difficult dogs cost more to groom. It's not personal - it's practical. Anxious, aggressive, or elderly dogs need extra time and patience.
Dogs That Cost Extra
Anxious or aggressive dogs - need gentle handling and frequent breaks
Senior dogs - require careful positioning and extra patience
Dogs with medical conditions - need specialised products or techniques
Where you live dramatically affects grooming costs. London groomers charge double what rural groomers do - and it's not because they're twice as good.
UK Regional Price Guide
London: £60-£120+ (rent and living costs are brutal)
South East England: £45-£80 (Kent, Surrey, Sussex)
Major cities: £40-£70 (Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds)
Rural areas: £25-£55 (lower overheads, less competition)
Scotland/Wales: £30-£60 (generally cheaper than English cities)
High prices in expensive areas reflect real costs: commercial rent, business rates, staff wages, and insurance all cost more in city centres.
Salon vs Mobile: The Great Price Debate
Mobile groomers typically cost 10-20% more than salons. But you're paying for convenience, not just grooming.
Salon Grooming
Pros:
Lower prices - no travel costs to pass on
Full facilities - complete range of equipment
Specialised services - advanced treatments available
Climate control - comfortable environment year-round
Cons:
You need to transport your dog
Other dogs around can stress anxious pets
Waiting time required
Mobile Grooming
Mobile grooming averages £40 nationally, ranging from £18-£80. London averages £52, while smaller cities like Derby average £40.
Pros:
Ultimate convenience - they come to you
One-to-one attention - no other dogs present
Reduced stress - familiar environment for anxious pets
Time-saving - no travel or waiting
Why it costs more:
Travel time and fuel costs
Van maintenance and insurance
Limited space restricts some services
Why Qualified Groomers Cost More (And Why It's Worth It)
The UK grooming industry is unregulated, which means anyone can set up shop. Qualified groomers charge more because they've invested in proper training and equipment.
What You're Paying For
City & Guilds Level 2/3 qualifications - proper training, not YouTube videos
Pet First Aid certification - they know what to do in emergencies
Professional insurance - you're covered if something goes wrong
Quality equipment - professional tables (£1,000+), dryers (£300-£600+)
Compare prices - call at least three local groomers
Look for loyalty schemes - many offer "buy 5, get 6th free"
Choose clipping over hand-stripping - saves £10-£20
Book off-peak times - some offer weekday discounts
Bundle services - package deals often offer better value
Don't Be Penny Wise, Pound Foolish
Professional grooming is healthcare, not just cosmetics. Good groomers spot skin problems, lumps, and infections early. They also keep your dog's nails, ears, and coat healthy.
A £20 groomer who cuts your dog or misses health issues will cost you more in vet bills than a £60 professional who does the job right.
Common Questions About Grooming Costs
Does pet insurance cover grooming?
No. Pet insurance covers medical treatment, not routine care. Grooming is considered preventative maintenance, like getting your car serviced.
How often should I have my dog professionally groomed?
It depends on your dog's coat:
Short-haired breeds: every 6-12 weeks
Long-haired breeds: every 4-6 weeks
Double-coated breeds: every 8-12 weeks
Poodle crosses: every 6-8 weeks
Why do mobile groomers cost more?
They have extra costs you don't see: travel time, fuel, van maintenance, and insurance. Plus, you're paying for the convenience of not having to transport your dog.
What if my dog's coat is severely matted?
Expect to pay extra. Severely matted coats add £10-£30 to your bill and may require complete shave-offs. In extreme cases, groomers might refuse the job and refer you to a vet.
Making Smart Grooming Decisions
Understanding grooming costs helps you budget properly and avoid surprises. The key is finding a qualified groomer who provides transparent pricing and quality care.
Don't choose based on price alone. A good groomer is part of your dog's healthcare team, spotting problems early and keeping your dog comfortable and healthy.
